To spike a volleyball like a pro, you need three things working together: a fast four step approach, a two footed jump that launches you straight up, and a whip fast arm swing that contacts the ball at full reach above your head. The best hitters do not just swing hard. They time their approach so they meet the ball at the top of their jump, snap the wrist for topspin, and aim for the sharp angle. Get the footwork and timing right and your spike gets higher, harder, and far tougher to dig. Here is the full breakdown.
Video: "Spike Approach Tutorial to Jump Higher and Faster | Volleyball Training" by Reid Hall.
What is the correct spike approach footwork?
The approach is where power comes from. Most coaches teach a four step approach, and for a right handed hitter the rhythm is left, right, left, right, finishing with a quick right to left plant that converts your run into lift. The last two steps are the fast ones. Think slow to fast, not fast the whole way.
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Left | Small directional step | Read the set and start moving |
| 2. Right | Longer gather step | Build horizontal speed |
| 3. Left, right plant | Fast heel plant, both arms back | Brake and load for the jump |
| 4. Jump | Both arms swing up, extend hips | Convert speed into vertical height |
Left handed hitters simply mirror the pattern, finishing with a left to right plant. Whatever your handedness, the double arm swing on takeoff is non negotiable. It can add 4 to 6 inches to your jump.
Waist to heel resistance overloads your approach jump so you hit the ball from a higher contact point. Great for hitters and blockers.
How do you get a faster, more powerful arm swing?
Once you are airborne, your arm swing decides how hard the ball lands. Pull both arms up together, then draw your hitting elbow high and back like you are pulling a bow. As you rise, rotate your shoulders and fire the elbow forward, contacting the ball with an open hand slightly in front of your hitting shoulder. Snap your wrist over the top of the ball to add topspin, which drives the ball down into the court.
- High elbow: keep the hitting elbow above shoulder height to protect your shoulder and add whip.
- Contact in front: hit the ball ahead of your body at full extension, not behind your head.
- Wrist snap: finish over the top for topspin and control.
- Full follow through: let the arm finish across your body to keep the swing fast.
What training builds spike power and control?
A great spike is an athletic skill. It rewards a strong vertical, quick hands, and consistent ball control at the point of contact. Two training habits move the needle fastest: plyometric jump work to raise your ceiling, and repetition catching and controlling the ball at full stretch so your timing is dependable.
Box jumps teach a fast, powerful takeoff and a soft landing, which is exactly what a repeated approach demands over a long match. Start with a lower box and progress as your landing mechanics stay clean.
A durable steel box for box jumps and depth jumps. Build the reactive power that lifts your spike approach higher, match after match.
Ball control at the top of your reach is the other half. Training your hands to catch, secure, and control the ball at full extension builds the timing and confidence you need to swing hard without mishitting.
Built for basketball and volleyball players to train strong hands and control at full stretch. Sharpen the reach and timing behind every hit.
Where should you aim your spike?
Power means little if the ball flies out or straight to a defender. Smart hitters read the block and the open court before they swing. Three high percentage targets solve most situations. Hit the sharp cross court angle when the block is late or open on the outside, since it gives you the most court to work with. Hit down the line when the block cheats toward the middle. And when the block is set well, tool it off the blocker's hands or tip into the seam behind the blockers. Train yourself to pick a target during your approach, not at the last instant, so your swing stays committed and fast. Control plus power is what separates a scorer from a hitter who just swings hard.
Frequently asked questions
How many steps should a volleyball approach be?
Most hitters use a four step approach, though a three step approach works well when you are close to the net or short on time. The key is a slow to fast rhythm with a hard plant on the final two steps to convert speed into height.
Why do I keep hitting the ball into the net?
Hitting into the net usually means you are contacting the ball too late or too low, often behind your head. Meet the ball in front of your hitting shoulder at full extension and snap your wrist over the top so the ball travels down and forward, not straight down at your feet.
Do I jump off one foot or two to spike?
Standard outside and middle hitting uses a two foot takeoff for stability and control. A one foot slide approach is used by advanced hitters on quick tempo sets. Beginners should master the two foot approach first.
How can I spike harder if I am not tall?
Raise your vertical jump and speed up your arm swing. A higher contact point and faster hand let shorter hitters spike at a steep, hard angle. Plyometrics, resistance training, and daily approach reps close the gap on taller blockers.
Hit higher and harder this season
Train the jump and the hands behind a pro level spike with gear coaches trust.
Shop vertical jump trainers →Fast shipping and gear trusted by athletes across every sport.
